September 1998

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Features

Weightlessness and the Human Body

The effects of space travel on the body resemble some of the conditions of aging. Studying astronauts' health may improve medical care both in orbit and on the ground

By Ronald J. White

Making New Elements

Three new elements--110, 111 and 112--have been produced over the past several years. Scientists are now struggling to create 113 and 114. How many elements can they add to the periodic table?

By Fritz Peter Hessberger and Peter Armbruster

The Evolution of the Periodic System

From its origins some 200 years ago, the periodic table has become a vital tool for modern chemists

By Eric R. Scerri

The Oort Cloud

On the outskirts of the solar system swarms a vast cloud of comets, influenced almost as much by other stars as by our sun. The dynamics of this cloud may help explain such matters as mass extinctions on Earth

Rebellious Affairs

The Reinvention of Paper

Healing Cancer

The Dope On Holography

Forestalling Violence

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Digital Issue ?Read or download this issue’s articles online. *A printed copy of this issue is not included. $7.99

Print + Digital All Access Subscription ?Read or download this issue’s articles online. Plus, subscribe to get Print, Online and Tablet access to the next 12 new issues to be released as well as Online access to archives back to 1845. $99.00

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